Verizon, union file unfair labor charges; strike continues

HAMPTON — Both Verizon Communications Inc. and a union representing 35,000 of its workers from Virginia to Massachusetts filed formal complaints late last week, each alleging the other side wasn't negotiating a new labor contract in good faith.

The complaints were filed with the National Labor Relations Board, an independent government agency charged with conducting union elections and investigating claims of unfair labor practices.

"Discussions do continue, though, in spite of that," Harry Mitchell, a Verizon spokesman, said Monday.

About 35,000 members of the Communications Workers of America went on strike Aug. 7 when their three-year contract expired.

The union represents more than 1,000 Verizon workers in Hampton Roads — including about 620 on the Peninsula. Verizon's wireless unit, which handles mobile phones and wireless communications, is not affected by the strike.

Wearing red shirts, unionized Verizon workers on Monday continued their 12-hour-a-day picket outside the Offices at NetCenter on the Hampton-Newport News line, brandishing signs that read "CWA on strike for middle class jobs at Verizon" and "Honor the contract."

Monday was day nine.

Some passing cars honked their support. One woman yelled, "Keep it up, CWA!"

That support is encouraging, said Natisha Wilson, a Verizon sales consultant from Norfolk.

"I'm not asking for more," Wilson said. "I'm just asking to keep my standard of living now."

But not every employee went on strike. About five members of the union's Local 2205 in Newport News stayed at their jobs, said Jerry Rogers, the local's president.

"What we call scabs. They're freeloaders," Rogers said. "They're not willing to come out here and walk the line because they don't want to sacrifice a paycheck, yet they still get the same benefits as these folks out here. They don't have the backbone to stand up for what's right. They want to wait for other people to do it for them."

At issue, Rogers said, are jobs and working conditions. Employees have watched their ranks thin in recent years.

"We'd like to keep the jobs here. Verizon keeps downsizing and sending jobs overseas," to India, the Philippines and Mexico, Rogers said.

The company says health benefits are a sticking point. Union workers don't contribute to health benefits, while every other employee does, including senior leadership, Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the average wage for a Hampton Roads technician, who repairs lines, is $79,500, plus benefits worth about $41,500.

That salary includes overtime, which employees can be forced to work, Rogers said. Before taxes, salaries range from about $36,400 for operators who provide directory assistance to $57,200 for technicians, he said.

Verizon workers do have good jobs, Rogers said, but working conditions can be tough. Employees are pressured to make sales, and some who work weekends don't get two consecutive days off, he said.

Verizon managers from around the country were brought in to fill the roles of striking employees.

"Customers may notice there may be a delay in getting through, or somewhat of a delay in repair," Mitchell said. "We've got people in the field, and they're working real hard to keep customers satisfied."

Striking workers have yet to feel the pinch of a missed paycheck. That'll come Thursday. The union will provide workers $200 a week in strike benefits starting next week, according to the union.

Missed paychecks will hurt, said Michelle Williams, a sales consultant from Portsmouth.